Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 238

Chapter 238

It takes me a while to realize I'm in Zaid's bed when I first open my eyes to the

morning

sun.

His arms are wrapped around my waist, our legs tangled together like we fell asleep like that and never wanted to separate. His chest rises and falls behind my back, his breath

warm on my neck.

My body shivers and I try to hold back the laugh that wants to bubble from my chest. I'm grinning like an idiot, though.

My heart takes on an odd beat in my chest. Maybe I don't have to leave. Maybe I don't

have to go to Florence with my aunt.

Because what if what I'm looking for is already here?

I turn slowly, careful not to wake him, and look at him. He has this crease between his brows even in sleep, like there's always something weighing on him in his thoughts. His lips are parted slightly, and I swear I could spend the rest of my day looking at him.

Memorizing his features.

I lean forward and kiss the corner of his mouth, not able to help myself. His brow twitches and my smile widens. I kiss him again.

He stirs, his eyes fluttering open, heavy with sleep. A sleepy smile curves his lips.

"Did you just kiss me?" he asks, voice rough with sleep.

I giggle, turning to lie on my stomach as I set my arms on his chest, propping my chin. "Maybe."

He smiles down at me. "Morning."

"Morning," I whisper back.

He leans in and kisses me again, unhurried. And for a few heartbeats, there's nothing but the warmth of his mouth and the way his hands find my waist beneath the sheets.

1/4

3:04 am SnD

Chapter 238

catching myself smiling. The kind of smile that

someone happy.

only a handful of times where I've felt like that since my dad

against the hardwood, coffee brewing and music playing low. He's humming softly, and I can't stop staring at him. He's only wearing pants, and it's the best knowing that he feels comfortable enough around me to not care or even mention

been beautiful to

counter, and I glance at

we come! June 4th. I know you're still thinking about it, but I'm

again. Just an hour ago, I was content

stare at the screen for a long time,

I felt this morning now clouded by doubt. I set the phone down quietly,

eyes swinging from me to my phone and back at me. "Is everything

as I grab the mug. "Elena just texted

and

information for the trip.

around

A flash of sadness in his eyes, like he's

I can catch it. But

forces his smile back and nods softly. "That's good.

2/4

Chapter 238

The words tumble out before I even fully form them. "You could come with

the way his fingers curl slightly before he inhales and turns to face me. His expression is gentle, but firm. "I

inside me drops.

piece of hair behind my

I need to figure out too. Parts of me I still have to face. And I'm sure your aunt would have invited me too if she

I was feeling from last night crumples

steps closer, pressing his forehead to mine. "Trust me, love, if this

to the rest of

rising. "But what if it changes? What if

change. That's the point. You're going there to grow. To find yourself.

him, my heart a

you don't want me anymore?"

with that aching, honest kind